Gene Clines – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Gene Clines made a solid mark as an outfielder in Major League Baseball during the 1970s. He played for three different teams before finally hanging up his cleats.

His journey in professional baseball took him from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Mets and, eventually, the Chicago Cubs.

Clines spent nine seasons in the major leagues, contributing as both a starter and a role player. He was part of two World Series championship teams with the Pirates in 1971 and 1979.

He earned a reputation for speed on the basepaths and for playing multiple outfield positions well.

Let’s take a look at Clines’ career—his rise through pro baseball, his big moments, and what he did after leaving the game.

His story is a great example of how a player can help winning teams and keep a lasting connection to the sport.

Gene Clines’ Baseball Career Overview

Clines played professional baseball for 12 seasons, from 1970 to 1979. He appeared in 930 major league games.

He spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets, working as an outfielder and pinch hitter.

Early Years and MLB Debut

Gene Anthony Clines was born on October 6, 1946, in San Pablo, California.

He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as an amateur free agent in 1967.

Clines worked his way through the Pirates’ minor league system for three years. He played for Salem, Gastonia, and Columbus before finally getting his first major league call-up.

He made his MLB debut on September 1, 1970, with the Pittsburgh Pirates at age 23.

Clines appeared in 12 games during his rookie season and collected 3 hits in 15 at-bats.

He showed promise in his short debut. Clines batted .200 and flashed the speed and defense that would define his career.

Primary Teams Played For

Clines spent most of his career with two National League teams. The Pittsburgh Pirates kept him from 1970 to 1974, which was his longest stretch with any club.

During his Pittsburgh years, Clines played on successful teams. He was part of the 1971 World Series championship squad that beat the Baltimore Orioles in seven games.

The New York Mets picked up Clines in 1975. He played three seasons in New York, from 1975 to 1977, mostly as a reserve outfielder and pinch hitter.

Clines appeared in 394 games for Pittsburgh and 297 for the Mets. Those two teams made up about 74% of his 930 career games.

Notable Trades and Team Changes

The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Clines to the New York Mets on December 31, 1974. They sent him to New York for minor league pitcher Craig Swan.

After three seasons with the Mets, Clines became a free agent. He signed with the Texas Rangers for 1978 but only appeared in 32 games.

The Chicago Cubs claimed Clines off waivers from Texas in August 1978. He finished that season in Chicago, playing 10 games for his fourth major league team.

Clines returned to the Texas Rangers for his final season in 1979. He played 52 games before retiring from professional baseball at age 32.

Key Achievements and Career Highlights

Gene Clines put together a solid major league career from 1970 to 1979. His biggest achievement came as a key member of the Pirates’ 1971 World Series championship team.

He earned respect for his consistent hitting and outfield defense across the National League.

World Series Championship

Clines played a big part in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1971 World Series win over the Baltimore Orioles. He appeared in six of the seven games that series.

Clines came up with key hits and steady defense in the outfield.

That 1971 Pirates team had stars like Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. Clines contributed as a reliable role player who could start or come off the bench.

His speed and contact hitting made him valuable in big spots.

During the regular season, Clines hit .274 with 28 RBIs. He started 89 games and played all three outfield spots.

The World Series title stands out as the highlight of his career.

Statistical Accomplishments

Clines finished with a .277 career batting average over 647 major league games. He collected 471 hits, including 44 doubles and 12 triples.

His on-base percentage was .337, which shows he got on base a lot.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .277
• Games Played: 647
• Hits: 471
• Runs: 197
• RBIs: 142

His best season came in 1972, when he hit .334 in 82 games. That year he posted a .398 OBP and scored 44 runs.

Clines struck out only 29 times that season, showing off his plate discipline.

Memorable Games and Moments

On June 15, 1974, against the Chicago Cubs, Clines had one of his most memorable games. He went 4-for-4 with two doubles and three runs scored.

Clines often delivered clutch hits during the Pirates’ playoff runs. His pinch-hit single in Game 4 of the 1974 NLCS kept a rally alive.

He usually came through in pressure moments.

His last major league hit came on September 28, 1979, in his final season. Clines played his final game as a New York Met, closing out an eight-year career that started in Pittsburgh.

Playing Style and On-Field Impact

Gene Clines earned his reputation as a steady center fielder with reliable defensive skills and solid offense.

His speed and baseball IQ made him a real asset to championship teams in the 1970s.

Defensive Skills and Outfield Performance

Clines played center field with good fundamentals and range. He covered a lot of ground in the big outfields of Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Stadium and New York’s Yankee Stadium.

He focused on getting good jumps on fly balls and positioned himself well before each pitch.

Clines studied opposing hitters to anticipate where balls might be hit.

Key defensive strengths:

• Strong arm for throws to home plate
• Good instincts for reading fly balls
• Reliable hands with few errors

He made several key catches during playoff games. Clines’ defensive consistency anchored the outfield for multiple seasons.

He rarely made mental mistakes or took bad routes to balls.

Offensive Contributions

Clines was a contact hitter who rarely struck out. He worked counts and drew walks at a decent rate.

His batting average hovered around .270 during his best years.

He hit mostly singles and doubles, using his speed to stretch hits when he could. His power numbers were low, but managers valued his ability to get on base.

Career offensive highlights:

• Over 600 career hits
• Strong on-base percentage
• Clutch hitting in key situations

Clines often performed well in pressure moments. He came through with timely hits during the Pirates’ championship runs.

His steady approach helped him stay productive at the plate.

Role in Team Success

Clines played important roles on championship teams with the Pirates. He started in center field during their 1971 World Series win.

His steady play helped the team win games all season.

He filled multiple roles as needed. Clines could start or come off the bench, and his versatility made him valuable to managers.

The Pirates trusted Clines in big games. He started key playoff games and delivered when needed.

His experience and calm approach helped younger players around him.

Retirement from Baseball in 1979

Gene Clines wrapped up his professional baseball career in 1979 after spending his last season with the Texas Rangers.

He decided to retire as his playing time dropped and his performance slipped from his earlier years.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement

Clines saw his playing opportunities shrink during his final years. The Texas Rangers mostly used him as a backup outfielder and pinch hitter in 1979.

His role had changed a lot from his earlier days as a regular starter with the Pirates.

At 31, Clines realized his skills were fading.

Competition for roster spots increased as younger players entered the league. Teams wanted to develop new talent instead of keeping older veterans with smaller roles.

Clines made the practical choice to step away. He played nine seasons in the majors and found success with several teams.

Final Season Performance

Clines played just 47 games for the Texas Rangers in 1979. He got 39 at-bats and managed only 7 hits, ending with a .179 batting average.

His stats that year showed a big drop from his career numbers. He scored 4 runs and drove in 2 runs during his limited playing time.

The Rangers mostly used Clines as a substitute. He started fewer than half the games he appeared in.

His last major league hit came during the 1979 season with Texas.

Clines finished with a .277 lifetime batting average across 692 games.

The drop in his offensive production made retirement the next logical step. His final season made it clear his best days were behind him.

Life After Professional Baseball

After his playing days, Gene Clines moved into coaching and community work. He stayed connected to baseball while building a meaningful life away from the spotlight.

Coaching and Mentoring Roles

Clines found his calling in coaching after 1979. He started working with young players at the amateur level, sharing what he learned during his nine-year MLB career.

He focused on teaching fundamentals to high school and college players. His experience as an outfielder with the Pirates and Mets gave him valuable insights to pass along.

Clines worked as a hitting instructor at several baseball camps throughout the 1980s. Players liked his patient approach and the way he broke down complex batting techniques.

He also served as a volunteer coach for local youth leagues.

Clines believed in giving back to the sport that gave him so much. His calm demeanor made him popular with both players and parents.

Community Involvement

Clines stayed active in his community after retirement. He took part in charity golf tournaments and fundraising events for youth sports programs.

He often appeared at baseball card shows and autograph signings. Fans enjoyed hearing stories from his days with the Pirates and other teams.

Clines supported Little League programs in his area. He donated equipment and helped organize coaching clinics for volunteer coaches.

He also played in old-timers’ games and went to reunion events. These gatherings let him reconnect with former teammates and celebrate baseball history with fans.

Personal Life

Gene Clines settled into a quieter life with his family after baseball. He focused on being present for his children’s activities and milestones he missed while playing.

He kept up his physical fitness with regular exercise and recreational sports. Golf became a favorite, and he played often at local courses.

Clines stayed close with several former teammates. They got together for reunions and stayed in touch, sharing memories from their baseball days.

He remained a baseball fan, followed the sport closely, and attended games when he could. Clines especially enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team where he had his best years.

Legacy and Influence in Baseball

Gene Clines left his mark on baseball through his consistent play and positive influence on teammates. His contributions earned him recognition in the sport and helped shape the teams he played for.

Recognition and Honors

Clines received recognition as part of the Pirates’ 1971 World Series championship team. He played a key role in the team’s success that season.

The Pirates beat the Baltimore Orioles in seven games.

Clines was known for his reliable outfield play and consistent batting. He kept a solid career batting average throughout his time in the majors.

His speed on the bases made him a valuable asset.

The baseball community remembered Clines for his professional approach. Coaches and players respected his work ethic.

His contributions to championship teams helped define his baseball legacy.

Impact on Teammates and the Game

Clines mentored younger players throughout his career. He brought a positive attitude into the clubhouse, and that energy really helped create a winning environment.

Teammates often praised his leadership qualities and team-first mentality. You could just tell people respected how he put the group above himself.

He showed everyone the importance of role players in baseball success. Clines proved that consistent performance in a supporting role could make a real difference for championship teams.

His example changed how teams viewed bench players and utility outfielders. You have to wonder if some of those guys got more chances because of what he did.

Clines focused on fundamentals and preparation. He worked hard to improve his skills and always stayed ready when his name was called.

This kind of dedication inspired teammates to keep their own standards high. It’s not always flashy, but it matters a lot.